Where to Go When You Chip a Tooth? A Prosthodontist

Published 1:06 PM ET Thu, 14 April 2016
Globe Newswire

CHICAGO, April 14, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dental dentistry technology is revolutionizing dentistry, and prosthodontists are poised to lead the way. It is estimated that there are 4,000 prosthodontists in the United States today. The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) believes digital solutions can significantly improve workflow efficiencies and enhance patient experience, as seen in this NBC News Chicago segment featuring ACP President Carl F. Driscoll, DMD, FACP.

With advancements in digital dentistry, getting teeth replaced is even quicker and easier than ever. If a patient chips a tooth before breakfast, they can have a new one before lunch! They'll be able to eat a salad at lunch and even a steak by dinner.

"Patients are starting to see how digital dentistry is revolutionizing dental care by giving dentists the technology to make dental treatment faster and more precise," said Dr. Driscoll. He and Radi M. Masri, DDS, MS, PhD, FACP, are co-editors of a recent textbook on the topic and co-authors of a CE article on the topic for Inside Dentistry's Jan 2016 issue.

The ACP is poised to introduce even more dentists to digital dentistry technology since the ACP Education Foundation in 2015 received a $1.25 million commitment from Henry Schein, Inc., to fund the development of a digital dentistry curriculum at dental schools. Pilot programs are expected to launch in several dental schools in 2017.

"The new digital dentistry curriculum will give dental students the opportunity to learn the latest techniques in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to provide patients with the best care," Dr. Driscoll said.

"Digital dentistry advances continue to transform dentistry and while it may seem new to patients, prosthodontists have been using it for years. Our ultimate shared goal is to improve our patients' oral health outcomes," said Dr. David Guichet, Board of Director Member for Continuing Education for the American College of Prosthodontists.

CAD/CAM technology is revolutionizing dentistry as we know it. Prosthodontists who have incorporated digital solutions into their practices have found significantly improved workflow efficiency and ease of collaboration with laboratories. Patients treated with digital solutions benefit from the combination of efficient processes, accurate high-strength materials and beautiful esthetics.

The ACP is the only prosthodontic specialty organization whose membership is based solely on education credentials. ACP members must be in or have completed an ADA-accredited advanced education program in Prosthodontics.

About the ACP

The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is the official sponsoring organization for the specialty of Prosthodontics, which is one of only nine recognized specialties of the American Dental Association. Founded in 1970, ACP is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patient care, advancing the art and science of Prosthodontics, promoting the specialty of Prosthodontics to the public and other dentists and healthcare professionals, ensuring the quality of prosthodontic education and providing professional services to its membership. For more information, professionals may visit Prosthodontics.org, and consumers can learn more at GoToAPro.org.